Directions

Pour batter into pans; bake and cool as label directs for 8-inch layers.

Prepare frosting: In large bowl, with mixer at low speed, beat confectioners' sugar, margarine or butter, half-and-half, and vanilla just until blended. Increase speed to medium and beat, constantly scraping bowl with rubber spatula, until frosting is smooth and an easy spreading consistency. Stir in enough green food-color paste to tint frosting bright green; set aside.

Cut a 2 1/2-inch round in center of each cake layer. Without removing round, cut each layer in half to make 4 C-shaped pieces and 4 small semicircles.

On large piece of heavy cardboard or cutting board covered with cellophane or foil (finished cake measures approximately 28" by 9"), place C-shaped pieces of cake end to end, alternating directions to create a curvy snake.

Place 1 semicircle of cake at one end, cut sides together, to complete tail. Repeat on other end to complete neck. Place remaining 2 semicircles at neck end to form an open mouth. Frost cake.

Garnish cake: Cut all but 1 jelly ring in half. Place jelly-ring halves along top edge of cake for scales. Place whole jelly ring on head for eye, with blue candy in center for pupil. Use yellow candies to decorate body. Use white licorice candies for teeth. Use candy corn for eyelashes.